I'm a simple emigrant and I live in the capital of jazz

Usually people think that Frankfurt is a city of finance. If they've been here or heard stories, they also understand that the station is best avoided. But few people know that Frankfurt is Germany's Jazz Mecca. Yes, imagine, and it all started after the war. In the 1950s the city was full of American soldiers; it was with them that jazz came here. This music created a unique environment for them, where they preferred to spend time and socialize. In 1952, in the very center of the city, trumpeter Carlo Bolender opened the legendary Jazzkeller club, "Jazz Basement" in translation. He quickly became a meeting place for musicians, American servicemen, and local jazz enthusiasts. Over the years, legends such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington visited here. This club is considered the oldest private jazz club in Germany, and it still exists today. I also visited there a couple of times — incredibly atmospheric. Jazzkeller was one of Elvis Presley’s favorite hangouts. In October 1958 Elvis, together with the U.S. Army, arrived at the garrison in Bad Nauheim, a small resort town not far from Frankfurt. By the way, a lovely little place. If you haven't been yet – I recommend it; you can even go there after work for a couple of hours. So, Elvis lived in a house with his family and friends and, as part of his duty, constantly traveled to the barracks, and in his free time visited local establishments, including the cozy Jazzkeller. And also in Bad Nauheim Elvis met his future wife Priscilla Beaulieu. Gradually Frankfurt became a magnet for talented jazz musicians. And in 1953 drummer Horst Lippmann launched Deutsches Jazzfestival – one of the most respected jazz festivals in Europe and the oldest continuously held jazz festival in the world. A ton of stars performed on its stage; it's probably easier to say who wasn't there. This year's jazz festival will take place from October 13 to 17, so you can still catch it. I don't know yet if I can go, but I also want to go at least for one day. And if you want to immerse yourself in jazz right now, you can always wander into the alleys near Kleine Bockenheimer Straße and feel the spirit of that era. #frankfurt #history #madeinGermany